Author: By Jim Miller Special to The Gazette
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Savvy Senior: Top pet products for seniors with mobility issues
Dear Savvy Senior, My pet-loving mother has two cats and a dog, but her knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you can recommend that help elderly pet older owners with mobility problems? — Searching Susan Dear Susan, Great question! For older pet owners with limited mobility,…
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Savvy Senior: How to get help with your Medicare costs
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for struggling seniors? My mom lives primarily on her Social Security survivor benefit and is having a hard time paying her Medicare costs. — Need Assistance Dear Need, There are actually several financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time…
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Savvy Senior: How to prevent falls at home
Dear Savvy Senior, My 80-year-old father, who lives alone, has fallen several times over the past few months. Are there any tips or precautions you recommend that I can implement to help prevent this? — Concerned Son Dear Concerned, This is a common concern for millions of elderly seniors and their families. Each year more…
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Savvy Senior: Tips and treatments for restless leg syndrome
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about restless leg syndrome? Over the past year or so I’ve developed an uncontrollable urge to move my legs because of an annoying tingling sensation, and it’s keeping me awake at night. — Always Tired Dear Tired, If an irresistible urge to move your legs has you…
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Savvy Senior: How to find a great handyman
Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to find a good handyman or tradesman that can help with small jobs around the house? — Almost 75 Dear Almost, It’s a great question. Finding a good home repair/handyman can be a bit of a crapshoot. How do you find someone who will return your calls or…
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Savvy Senior: Beware of the Medicare Advantage trap
Dear Savvy Senior, I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fine? — Almost 65…
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Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover annual physical exams?
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover annual physical exams? I’ve gotten a physical every year since I turned 50 and would like to find out what Medicare covers when I sign up in a few months. — Almost 65 Dear Almost, No, Medicare does not pay for annual physical exams, but it does cover a…
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Savvy Senior: Essential legal documents all seniors should have
Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of legal documents do I need to help my family take care of me in my elder years? I would like to get my affairs in order but could use some help. — Approaching 80 Dear Approaching, All adults, especially an older adult like yourself, should have at least five…
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Savvy Senior: Gravesite care when you can’t get there
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any services that offer gravesite cleaning and care? I recently visited my parent’s cemetery gravesite over Memorial Day weekend and found that their headstones were overtaken by weeds and moss and need to be cleaned. I live in a different state and can’t get back very often. Who can…
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Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover talk therapy services?
Dear Savvy Senior, What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist. — Anxious Annie Dear Annie, Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs to help beneficiaries with anxiety, depression and…